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Median and ulnar nerve conduction studies among workers: normative values
D F Salerno1, A Franzblau, R A Werner
1Department of Environmental and Industrial Health, School of Public Health, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-2029, USA.
Muscle & Nerve
|July 9, 1998
Summary
Establishing normative nerve conduction study values in workers requires accounting for age, sex, and anthropometrics. Adjusting for these factors improves diagnostic accuracy in electrodiagnostic testing.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Neurophysiology
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are crucial for diagnosing peripheral nerve disorders.
- Establishing normative data for NCS in specific populations, like workers, is essential for accurate diagnosis.
- Previous studies often used convenience samples, potentially limiting generalizability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normative values for nerve conduction studies (NCS) in an active worker population.
- To identify key covariates influencing NCS parameters in healthy workers.
- To provide evidence for adjusting NCS interpretation based on individual characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A subset of 326 healthy workers was selected from a larger cohort (955 subjects).
- Bilateral median and ulnar sensory nerve conduction measures (amplitude, latency) were recorded.
- Exclusion criteria included upper extremity symptoms, relevant medical conditions, low hand temperature, and highly repetitive jobs.
Main Results:
- Linear regression models explained 21-51% of the variance in nerve function.
- Age, sex, hand temperature, and anthropometric factors were significant covariates.
- The median-ulnar nerve difference showed the least sensitivity to covariate adjustment.
- Variance in nerve function measures increased with age and anthropometric factors.
Conclusions:
- Normative NCS values in workers are influenced by age, sex, hand temperature, and anthropometrics.
- Electrodiagnostic testing accuracy is improved by controlling for these relevant covariates.
- The median-ulnar difference is a robust NCS measure, especially when covariate adjustment is not feasible.